Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending with a Zonal Back 4

Set Up

Set Up:

- (8v4+2) - Team of 8 split into to banks of 4 (Blue) vs Defending Unit of 4 (Red)

- Working with Reds (Session Focus on Defending with zonal back 4)

- 6x6 zones

- Important players retain shape/stay zonal both in and out of possession.

- Blues must transfer ball from blue team to blue team. If Reds gain posession they must find end player (orange), playing the way they are facing. End players recycles possession to Blues.

Conditions:

1. All players must remain in designated zones. Only ball can be transfered between/across zones.

2. Blues must retain possession/look for opportunity to transfer possession.

Key coaching points:

- Defender in zone opposite player in possession always pressurizes high (pressure on ball/player)

- Defender nearest (inside) to Player applying pressure must always be deepest of unit.

- 2nd CB/Furthest FB (angles/distance of support) - remain narrow and compact in shape.

Triggers 3/4

Triggers.

3. When Attacking Wide Player in possession, Full Back arcs run to 'cut off line' and apply pressure high (showing inside). - Central Player nearest to FB applying pressure must be deepest of unit (stop ball being transferred across zones).

4. Players able to move into defensive zone (Both with/without the ball).

- Important for Defenders to remember roles with more movement in front of ball.

5. Players from receiving zone able to drop deep into defensive zone in order to recieve ball.

- Defenders must become aware of movement behind also (Checking of Shoulder)

- Important to remain compact/shuffle as a unit to cut off supply/transfer of ball.